Lecture Notes: Spiritual Paralysis and Healing in Great Lent

Introduction

• Speaker thanks Abuna Peter and Abuna Bulas for the invitation.
• Emphasis on the blessing of being present and the journey of Great Lent.
• Mention of Sunday Gospel stories: Prodigal Son, Samaritan Woman, and the Paralyzed Man.

Story of the Paralyzed Man

• Context: A feast of the Jews (modern-day Pentecost) where angels stirred waters for healing.
  • Symbolism of God's incarnation and suffering.
  • Five porches symbolize the five books of Moses.
• Old vs. New Testament Healing:
  • Old Testament: Limited healing, water becomes soiled.
  • New Testament: Continuous cleansing, open to all.

Spiritual and Physical Paralysis

• Description of the Paralyzed Man:
  • 38 years of physical, spiritual, social, and familial problems.
  • Surrounded by a multitude of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed.
• Symbolism:
  • Blindness: Not seeing or opening eyes to God.
  • Paralysis: Symbol of powerlessness and immobility.

Spiritual Success vs. Paralysis

• Focus on Material vs. Spiritual Life:
  • Cultural emphasis on success in education, work, and material possessions.
  • Questioned if spiritual progress is prioritized.
• Saint Paul's Advice: 1 Timothy 4
  • Be an example in conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity.
  • Progress in spiritual life should be evident.

Healing from Spiritual Paralysis

• Christ's Healing Words:
  • "Rise, take up your bed and walk" - signifies more than physical healing.
  • Importance of witnesses to miracles.
• Encouragement Against Despair:
  • Authority to trample on serpents, scorpions, and power of sin.
  • Righteous man may fall but will rise again (Proverbs 24:16).

Examples of Repentance and Healing

• Biblical and Saintly Models:
  • Right Hand Thief: Repented at the last moment and entered the Kingdom.
  • Prodigal Son: Realization and action to return to the father.
  • Saint Augustine: Late repentance after years of sin.

The Nature of Divine Healing

• God's Unique Ways:
  • Healing not as expected; often in unexpected ways.
  • Example: Samaritan Woman's spiritual worship beyond tradition.
• Role of Confession and Sacraments:
  • Importance of confession and Eucharist in spiritual cleansing.
  • Story of Saint Moses the Ethiopian: Confession leading to spiritual renewal.

Encouragement for Gradual Spiritual Growth

• Process of Growth:
  • Compared to the rising sun, gradual and slow but effective.
  • Avoid discouragement for not achieving immediate perfection.

Conclusion

• Call to Action:
  • Seize the opportunity for repentance and spiritual progress during Lent.
  • Pray for spiritual success and progress.

Closing

• Invocation of prayers for the speaker and fellow participants.
• Expression of hope for continued spiritual growth and healing.